This coming November 6th, it will be time again to exercise our freedom to vote for our leaders in congress. Since our last national election, we have seen growing political divides and increasing instances of bigotry, hate, and violence often done in the name of patriotism. At the same time, we have seen communities across the country come together in support of the values of our faith and our nation.

As Catholics, we are called to carefully consider the many critical issues facing our nation. Pope Francis reminds us, “We cannot uphold an ideal of holiness that would ignore injustice in a world where some revel, spend with abandon and live only for the latest consumer goods, even as others look on from afar, living their entire lives in abject poverty.”

This election, we have a choice to make. Catholic Social Teaching directs us to participate in public life and exercise our civic duty. Let us engage ourselves this election and choose the path of the common good, to seek a better life for everyone.

Below is a prayer that we can use before the election.

Lord God, as the election approaches, we seek to better understand the issues and concerns that confront our city/ state/country, and how the Gospel compels us to respond as faithful citizens in our community.

We ask for eyes that are free from blindness so that we might see each other as brothers and sisters, one and equal in dignity, especially those who are victims of abuse and violence, deceit and poverty.

We ask for ears that will hear the cries of children unborn and those abandoned; men and women oppressed because of race or creed, religion or gender.

We ask for minds & hearts that are open to hearing the voice of leaders who will bring us closer to your Kingdom.

We pray for discernment so that we may choose leaders who hear your Word, live your love, and keep in the ways of your truth as they follow in the steps of Jesus and his Apostles and guide us to your Kingdom of justice and peace.

We ask this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (Excerpt taken from United States Conference of Catholic Bishops prayer and worship.)